Issue Number 2: Leadership and the Peacock

I have some good news and some better news for all of you in positions of leadership. The good news is you set the example through everything you say and everything you do. The better news is there is nothing you can do about it.

You cannot force people to change – they have to decide how they want to live their lives. Some want to be peacocks, always showing off in front of others. Some prefer staying in the background, content to be part of the team. By being your best self, however, you have the opportunity to demonstrate how you want people in the organization to behave and how you want to create a climate for success.

Here is how it works. If you want others to keep their commitments, keep yours. If you want them to treat each other respectfully, treat them respectfully. If you want them to face challenges without whining, face your challenges without whining.

If, on the other hand, you want them to run around with their hair on fire every time there is a problem, or complain they have too much work to do, or blame someone else for their mistakes … well, you know what to do.

If you are not in a position of leadership, don’t despair. Leadership is more about behavior than position. It is about how you treat people, especially those who can do nothing for you. You influence people far more effectively by the behavior you choose than by the clothes you wear or the car you drive. It is also a lot less expensive.